New Haven Living this month named Gateway Community College President Dorsey L. Kendrick one of the region’s 50 Most Influential People in 2012 for her pioneering working in education and for spearheading GCC’s move to the new downtown campus.

In the cover story of New Haven Living, the magazine stated that Dr. Kendrick “has been a pioneer wherever she has gone, from being one of three black students who integrated Union University in Tennessee to becoming the highest-ranking black woman in Wisconsin’s higher education system.”

The publication praised her vision. “Since taking her current post in 1999, Gateway’s enrollment has more than doubled; she has instituted a nursing program, and is credited with beefing up Gateway’s offerings in the areas of allied health, green technologies, education, business and continuing education.”

Her most impressive accomplishment, according to the magazine, is the construction of the new $198 million downtown campus.

Others named to the Most Influential List include Richard Levin, Yale University president; Mary Lou Aleskie, executive director, International Festival of Arts & Ideas; Bun Lai, chef/owner, Miya’s Sushi; Cesar Pelli, architect and founder, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects; Jonathan Quick, goaltender, LA Kings; and Martha Stone, founder and executive director, Center for Children’s Advocacy.

Kendrick's nomination comes just months after being named one of New Haven’s 2012 Legendary Women by The Perfect Blend organization, a mentoring organization that connects generations of New Haven area women.

“She is a dynamic woman," said Jeanette Sykes, president and founder of The Perfect Blend. "She has done so much work on behalf of the young people in our community. Her work consists of opening doors for so many people so that they can benefit and they know that.”

Sykes continued: “She is also someone who worked for years toward creating the new Gateway campus. Our young women can see that she is someone who had a vision, who had a dream. And they can see how that dream has manifested itself. She brings to the table perseverance and she encourages our kids to have the same. She tells them to have a plan to implement that plan, to do whatever they can to see that plan through.”

Sykes said the women chosen are considered building blocks, are committed to change and they are activists in areas that impact women’s lives.

“Dr. Kendrick has brought greatness to our community through this educational institution of higher learning but her good work goes beyond Gateway,” Sykes said. “She does more for the community than people realize. She is a legend.”